Acne Skin Care and Treatment: The Natural Way

Introduction

Acne is known to be the most common skin disorder on earth. This article submission is about the natural, drug-free way of preventing and treating acne. It examines how it spreads and includes acne home remedies as well. If you have been struggling with this condition, following the steps outlined below consistently can enable your skin develop and sustain its own healing process.

As there are several methods discussed, it is advisable to consult with your local dermatologist to check if there are any allergies or special conditions that apply, which may hinder you from deriving the maximum benefit out of each technique. That said, these have been researched and proven many times over as methods that indeed make a difference in combatting acne and its symptoms. But before we delve in and examine the natural acne treatments available, it is necessary to first understand the anatomy of the skin and define what exactly causes acne.

Anatomy of the Skin

Your skin is divided into three layers:

Epidermis: the outer layer which is made up of epithelial cells.

Dermis: the layer directly underneath the epidermis, made up of connective tissue.

Hypodermis: the lowest layer, consisting of fat cells.

Hair growth originates from pores which extend to the skin surface from the dermis and these are called hair follicles. Within the dermis itself, there are small glands, called sebaceous glands, which surround the root of the hair. These sebaceous glands produce a fatty substance called sebum which is secreted through the opening of the follicle and serves as a lubricant to both the hair and the skin.

How is Acne Formed?

Acne can develop when the sebaceous glands produce an increased amount of sebum. Initially, this causes the skin to become greasy or oily. However, as more sebum is secreted, it may mix with dead epithelial cells in the opening, resulting in a chemical reaction which forms a heterogeneous substance called comedo (or comedones in plural). This substance plugs the duct of the skin. Though the normal process is for these dead cells to be exfoliated and eliminated, instead they simply dry up and seal the pore openings. Depending on the hue they have, these comedones will either become whiteheads or blackheads.

Since the hair follicle is now sealed, additional secretion of sebum by the sebaceous glands causes it to begin swelling, and it eventually becomes infected by bacteria. The bacteria in question is Propionibacterium acnes (or P. acnes) which is usually disposed to inhabiting an airless sebum-filled space and is described as the most commonly isolated species. The more this bacteria accumulates in the affected area, the further the infection spreads. As described in the research done by the Science of Acne, the damage to the skin is not caused by P. acnes itself, but mostly rather by the body's own immune response to the presence of the bacteria.

The increased secretion of sebum under these conditions inflames the skin surrounding the follicle. As the process leads to the accumulation of pus, bacteria and dead cells, it gradually develops into a pimple. Eventually, the follicle ruptures, releasing the contents. The affected area may either heal with time, or the inflammation may descend deeper, damaging skin tissue. The scars that result from this may become permanent. For persons affected by acne, the typical scenario is that at any given moment, they will have follicles in all of these stages. Acne breakouts tend to occur around the face, neck, back, chest, or shoulders.

There are several known causes of acne. These include: inadequately ventilated environments, exposure of the skin to chlorine, halogens or pollutants, certain types of antidepressants, antiperspirants, contraceptives and oily cosmetics, hormonal changes during puberty, the onset of menstruation, the presence of testosterone and anabolic steroids used in treatment (or in body-building) and hereditary factors.

What are some of the natural acne treatments available?

1. Exercise

Exercising regularly enhances blood circulation throughout the body which in turn, eliminates toxins. This is an effective means by which the skin and the entire body is well nourished with blood, oxygen and nutrients required for growth and healing. Exercising also reduces stress which has been known to have a negative effect on the health of the skin. One of the causes of acne is hormonal imbalance, and regular activity can help the body to recover from this, while clearing the pores through perspiration and driving out impurities from the epidermis. Therefore, make it a habit to regularly engage in your fun activity, be it running, biking, climbing, trekking or whatever else captures your interest. This will encourage the growth of collagen in the cells of your skin and will in turn give it an appearance of freshness and youthfulness.

As is discussed in an submission by the Holistic Health Journal, the sun can also dry the oils that accumulate on the pores thus bringing relief. Sunshine also provides the body with Vitamin D which is useful for healthy skin. Going outdoors regularly is both good for managing stress and ensuring your skin is properly aerated. However, be careful not to cross the line when it comes to exposure to the sun's ultraviolet rays, because this can cause your skin to become drier than it is. The effect of dryness resulting from extended sunbathing, is that the sebaceous glands will try to balance the situation by producing more sebum which may in turn aggravate the acne. During hot days, use natural sunscreens rather than over-the-counter alternatives to curb the negative consequences of UV rays. You can also put on protective clothing, or carry with you a hat or an umbrella when you move outdoors.

2. Water and Hygiene

Water has been described as the most powerful natural acne treatment by far. Make it your habit to drink a lot of water because as a natural alkaline with a pH of 7.3, it ensures that harmful toxins, oils and waste are flushed out of the skin as well as all vital organs. Drinking 8 glasses of purified water a day will enable the skin to do proper toxin elimination and it will also enhance the healing process. Water consumption also moistens the skin and unclogs the pores. Moreover, hydrating the body reduces stress and enables one to sleep sufficiently at night. To ensure the water you are drinking is properly distilled, check out this recommended product - Alexapure Pro Stainless Steel Water Filtration System.

Ensure you keep yourself clean and your skin uncontaminated. Bathing or taking showers in the morning, at night (or both) will help maintain the skin in a state of cleanliness. This in turn this helps induce sleep at night which is also useful for the natural development of the skin. When taking a shower or a bath, ensure you do not use extreme water temperatures (either too hot or too cold) on the affected areas, but instead keep the water sufficiently below 98.5 degrees. Any items you use on your body to wash or prepare it daily need to be kept clean as well.

Also, make sure that the clothes you wear during the day, and the beddings and pillows you use at night, are clean and fresh. Avoid putting on clothes that fit too tightly, as this has the effect of compounding perspiration. Synthetic fabrics tend to prevent body moisture from escaping, which leads to accumulation of bacteria, especially when one is involved in vigorous activities. Instead, wear a loose-fitting, soft material like cotton which allows your skin to be aerated. Moreover, it is important to abstain from attire that keeps the skin humid or overheated.

Be quick to change from clothing that is wet or contains perspiration and switch to clean and dry clothes. Further, anything you regularly wear on your head, like a hat, helmet, headband, or other headgear needs to be kept clean. Otherwise, these can affect the condition of the skin, especially around the forehead, causing infection and irritation to spread.

3. Stress Management

Needless to say, stress is inevitable in the busy modern world that we live in. While it is not entirely possible to avoid all stressful situations, we can adjust our response to them and consciously develop a practice of curbing the negative effects of stress from our daily lives. This includes simple steps, like creating time to play your favorite sport or game, venturing out to explore a new territory, taking a stroll in the park, listening to soothing music, engaging in prayer or simply taking a pleasant, warm bath. Moreover, ensure you get the right amount of sleep each day as this will allow sufficient time for the skin to rest and rejuvenate itself. Fear, anxiety, depression, worry, anger and other harmful emotions are a setback on the road to healing and should be curbed as much as possible. Strive to maintain a healthy emotional life.

The Department of Dermatology of Stanford University School of Medicine conducted a research on how stress is related to acne by sampling a group of university students and observing the changes in severity that occurred during an examination period. The results, as published in the US National Library of Medicine, showed that the condition actually worsened during the period of exams, leading to the conclusion that the exacerbation of acne correlates with increasing stress. Four years later, a similar study of high school students in Singapore, recorded in Acta Derm Venereol (a Swedish medical journal), also confirmed that acne became more severe in exam periods as opposed to other less stressful times, for example during summer breaks.

When one is in a stressed mood, the brain’s adrenal cortex starts converting adrenal androgens into the hormone testosterone in both men and women. Increased testosterone creates a biochemical imbalance. In addition, the tension causes the adrenal glands to secrete the hormone cortisol into the bloodstream. This condition stimulates the sebaceous glands to become hyperactive and the facial sweat glands produce more oil. The result is the formation of more comedones (because of the ensuing mixture with dead cells) and therefore further blockage of pores leading to more blackheads and whiteheads.

Bear in mind that being critical and undermining yourself because of your appearance does not serve to improve your emotional state. Your true identity has nothing to do with your physical appearance. Therefore, learn to be more accepting of who you are regardless of what others think or say about you. Avoid spending too much time reflecting on yourself and on your condition as this can lead to a vicious cycle of self-pity. Instead focus your attention, skills and energy on discovering and fulfilling your God-given purpose on earth. Don’t waste precious time withdrawing and wallowing in self-defeatism, but rather be confident, take initiative, face up to who you are and move on with your life.

4. Hands Off!

Touching, squeezing, pricking or puncturing the affected part only serves to aggravate the situation. The pressure increases the production of sebum and rupturing of the skin membranes, which in turn spreads the infection and results in more pimples and scars. The temptation to do something immediate and physical about the affected area comes not just because of itchiness, but because each time you look in the mirror, you see something on your skin that is insidious and foreign. Though the lure is understandable, the repercussions of applying pressure serves to make things worse than they are. Instead of this, use natural cleansers to gently clean the area with a cotton pad. Take care not to use rough material when cleaning your face or to overdo it, because this triggers the sebaceous glands to secrete more sebum. Moreover, avoid any form of scrubbing. Be gentle when applying anything on your face.

It is recommended to use gentle herbal moisturizers and facial cleansers at least twice a day to eliminate pollutants like oil, dirt and sweat which may have accumulated on the skin. This can include face washes made up of Echinacea or tea tree oil which is effective against the growth of acne. Whenever you wash your face in the mornings and evenings, remember to thoroughly rinse it with warm water. Other herbal acne treatments which contain anti-inflammatory properties, lower the skin’s toxicity and enhance its development, include chamomile, witch hazel, red clover, juniper, calendula, bergamot, lavender, licorice root, dandelion root and burdock root.

You can remove dead skin by shaving in order to avoid the spread of the infection and the clogging of pores. This can also eliminate whiteheads and blackheads from the face. However, do bear in mind that using sharp blades without precaution can lead to skin damage and further deterioration. Do not shave the sore areas. Avoid applying too much pressure, but instead use a sharp single-edged blade, to gently shave according to the contour of the skin and toward the direction of hair growth, not against it. Electric razors have been recommended as better alternatives in preventing the spread of acne. Prior to shaving facial hair, soak a clean cloth in warm water and wipe your face with it, to soften the skin and remove any dead cells that may be blocking the pores. This reduces the chances of compounding the acne problem as it smoothens the skin and acts as an exfoliator.

In addition, if you have long hair, ensure you have it pulled back, or consider maintaining a shorter style that keeps it out of your face. Also, make sure that when you sleep, your hair is safely tucked away so that there is no contact with facial skin to avoid pimples developing overnight.

5. Acne: Foods to Avoid

In a systems view of the body, input of all kinds relates to output of all kinds. Food, therefore, would have a definite relationship to matter pushed out through the skin. I am continually amazed that dermatologists persist in viewing the skin as merely a protective envelope for the body, ascribing its eruptions to 'viruses' and imprecise malfunctions and supporting the myth that 'diet has nothing to do with acne.' In my experience, diet has everything to do with acne. Not only did I fix my own bad skin through correct eating but I have seen among my students a number of severe cases - the large purplish kind of acne on cheeks and chins - completely cured within three months by a change of diet.

Acne has a lot to do with the internal condition of the skin, so what the body ingests will go a long way in determining whether or not improvement will occur. There is a link between diet and the development of acne as a skin disorder in individuals, though each case may vary due to genetics and other factors. It is recommended for those with acne to abstain from milk and milk products, fried and sugary foods, margarine, shortening and other kinds of artificially hydrogenated vegetable oils. The alternative is to use natural oil, for example olive oil, sunflower oil, walnut oil, soy oil, and so on.

The type of fat found in ice cream, cheese, bacon and milk tends to have a negative effect on the health of the skin and makes it more vulnerable to inflammation. The same applies to French fries, hamburgers, hot dogs, chocolates, cigarettes, alcoholic beverages and several types of processed or fast foods. By way of example, it has been proven that alcohol consumption actually leads to the formation of acne and this occurs through the shrinking of the pores, which results in clogging. Alcohol also inhibits sleep, making the mind and body prone to stress and thereby worsening the condition. Similarly, stimulants like coffee or even soft drinks have been known to extract more water than they put into the body, which is not favourable for someone with acne.

Certain foods that contain carbohydrates, including pasta and baked beans can induce inflammation and cause damage to the skin. The majority of legumes are helpful as far as the health of the skin is concerned, but canned baked beans which are processed in brown sugar or molasses can impact negatively on the body’s glucose levels. If cooked at high temperatures for a certain period of time, their cell wall disintegrates and they release normal sugars which in turn cause the levels of blood glucose to rise. In contrast to this, whole grains, which are less refined are digested slower and so their properties are absorbed into the bloodstream more gradually, causing lower sugar levels.

Since meat and bread contain little fibre, their movement in the colon is slow and this leads to constipation or worse, to colon inflammation. The combination of meat that is decaying, bad bacteria other undigested food makes the colon toxic. In contrast, when you have acne, it is important that all fecal matter moves smoothly through the rectum unhindered, else the toxins will intensify and transfer into the bloodstream and affect the skin. Also, bear in mind that ground beef, ham and sausages lack the proteins beneficial to the skin and are known rather to release harmful byproducts when cooked at high temperatures. The consumption of chicken or fish is always a healthier protein alternative to red meat.

6. Acne: Recommended Foods

The healthy alternative to the previously discussed is increasing your daily intake of whole foods like vegetables, fruits, whole grains and beans. Raw or lightly cooked vegetables and fruits eliminate toxins and heal, refresh and rejuvenate the skin. You should add to your diet vegetables that are known to help in detoxification and reducing acne problems, such as spinach, carrots, cabbages, celery, cucumbers, broccoli, garlic, green pepper, radishes and watercress.

Also make a habit of drinking 100% natural fruit juices such as: apple juice, berry juice, cherry juice, peach juice, pear juice, pineapple juice, prune juice, strawberry juice, mixed apricot and berry juice, mixed orange and grapefruit juice, mixed orange and lemon juice. Well prepared smoothies have a positive effect in the treatment of acne as well. Other fruits that are known to have a wholesome impact on the health of the skin are bananas, blackberries, blueberries, cantaloupes, cherries, figs, grapefruits, grapes, strawberries, pineapples, plums and raspberries. There has been research conducted which shows that mangosteen helps alleviate acne. The same applies to wheatgrass juice.

Maintaining a clean gastrointestinal tract is important for managing acne, therefore ensure you commit to a diet that keeps it that way. These include such foods which are rich in fibers as carbohydrates like potatoes, whole-grain bread and brown rice. Apricots, watermelons and broccoli which abound with Vitamin A, plus other foods like nuts, beans, lean beef and whole grains that are rich in zinc also prevent the spread of acne.

Dr. Nicholas Lowe, an established dermatologist has stated, “Where, once, we, as dermatologists, dismissed the idea of diet and pimples, there is now good evidence of a link between unrefined sugars, sweets, milk chocolate and unrefined carbohydrates with increased incidence of acne breakout." In tests that he has conducted with patients who suffer from such disorders, he proved that reducing their consumption of dairy products and refined sugars also reduced the severity of their skin condition.

Sticking to a healthy diet of three meals that supplies your body with all the required nutrients daily, reduces the appetite for sugary diets, oily or fried foods. However, you could also go for a complete detox diet involving one or two days of liquid consumption exclusively, followed by one week of consuming the above mentioned recommended foods. Fasting helps improve skin condition and can either be done as a complete water fast or a juice fast. Or you could try the Mucusless/Alkaline Dietwhich is made up of mostly organic seasonal fruits, root and leafy vegetables and pure filtered water. It is also recommended to take 1-2 cups of green tea per day, as the antioxidants present in tea help reduce the acne.

In order to rebuild and keep your skin tissue healthy and counter inflammation, include the following in your diet: oats, almonds, flax seeds, pecans, pine nuts, sesame seeds, sunflower seeds. Keep in mind that it is important to eat these seeds in their raw form as snacks. Heating or cooking them reduces the vitamins and minerals and exterminates the life of the nut. Flax seeds, sesame seeds and sunflower seeds can be included as ingredients when preparing a smoothie.

With regard to multivitamins, the following have been known to have positive effect in preventing the spread of acne:

Vitamin A: also known as Beta-carotene, is found in yellowish-orange fruits and vegetable; yams, cantaloupe, carrots apricots, and in green vegetables like spinach, kale and parsley. However, it is to be taken with moderation as high doses can be counter-productive.

Vitamin B Complex: this is contained in fish, eggs, leafy vegetables and whole grains. Vitamins B1, B6 and B12 are good for relieving stress and B3 causes anti-inflammation of the skin as well as overall circulation and metabolic improvement. Some studies have shown that it improves acne.

Vitamin C: one type of this vitamin known as C Ester, contains anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties which penetrate the skin and prevent the return of acne.

Zinc: this is found in whole grains, mushrooms, eggs, and nuts as well as in selenium which improves body and skin health.

L-Carnitine: is a supplement which is known to support the repair of the damage that acne inflicts on the skin for people of all ages.

7. Salt Bath

In the evening or at night, when take a bath, fill the bathtub with lukewarm water and pour in 4 cups of Dead Sea salt and 4 cups of Epsom salt. You can also use normal sea salt, though this will have a reduced impact. Epsom salt is ideal for eliminating toxins from your body, while the minerals and other natural elements in Dead Sea salt have antiseptic impact and replenish the minerals that your body loses. Soak your entire body in the water for about half an hour and during this time, hold down your head under the surface for as long as you can. After the half hour, drain the tub and rinse your body with cool water.

The alternative to this method (in case a bathtub is not available), is to make a solution of 3 tablespoons of Dead Sea salt and Epsom salt with 1 tablespoon of warm water and few drops of tea tree oil in a container. Mix these thoroughly. Then spread the mixture on your face and neck and find yourself a nice spot to lie down for about half an hour. After this period elapses, rinse with cool water.

This method needs to be repeated on a daily basis until there is a positive improvement on the skin condition. If you live within close proximity to the sea, it may be your excuse to habitually to go for a swim a few times a week! Additionally, check out a detailed list of 12 natural methods which you can use to treat acne with Epsom salt by Home Remedies for Life.

8. Herbal Hand and Footbaths

Hand baths and footbaths have also been known to be effective in combating acne. You can either visit a spa or prepare one at home. The heated footbath expands the veins in your feet and within about 20 minutes, the water affects your entire vascular system, improving your blood circulation. Herbs added into the hot water you use for the footbath enter through the soles of your feet and into the bloodstream. These then exterminate bacteria, neutralize acids and improve circulation in your skin.

The following is a recommended herbal combination as discussed by Daniel B. Mowrey, Ph.D., in his book, The Scientific Validation of Herbal Medicine where he states:

Using a glass, porcelain or stainless steel container, heat the solution to boiling point

Step 2

Remove container after it begins to boil and allow the solution to sit for 15 to 30 minutes

Step 3

Prepare your foot spa with water and sieve the solution

Step 4

Pour the tea into the foot spa, together with the cut garlic

Step 5

Put your hands or feet into the hot water for 15 to 30 minutes

9. Natural Poultices

Since the process by which pores are clogged occurs weeks before any blemishes, swellings, blackheads or whiteheads appear on the skin, it is a good practice to have natural methods that not only treat the visible signs of the condition, but are also preventive.

Apart from garlic and cucumber, it is possible to make some paste out of the peels of an orange and apply directly on the pimples. Moreover, an ounce of olive oil, orange and half an ounce of melted cocoa butter blended together with 2 drops of orange flower oil make for a good lotion. This can be stored in an airtight container and used regularly. You could also peel potatoes and gently rub them on your face. In addition, apply Vitamin E Oil every night before going to sleep so that it can work on the skin throughout the night. Another natural treatment which has its roots in Africa, is Shea Butter which originates from the Karite Nut or Mangifolia Tree and has been described as the skin's best friend due to its 21 dermatological benefits. For centuries, it has been known to provide treatment for those suffering with acne.

Moreover, you can use natural ingredients to make poultices and apply them to the areas affected by acne and leave for about half an hour, before washing/rinsing off thoroughly. Remember, you can also apply fresh, raw papaya juice, or fresh mint juice to counter or shrink the swelling. Whenever you use milk, ensure it is room temperature. As natural acne home remedies, poultices can be used a few times a week. Be patient, as these methods may take time before you start to see the results.

The following table lists a few examples of natural poultices that can be used for acne treatment:

Treatment

Procedure

Neem leaves and Turmeric powder:

Make a mixture of these into a thin paste which you can then use when washing the face gently

Fenugreek:

Put 2 teaspoons in a gallon of water and the boil the solution, before allowing it to cool to room temperature. This can be used as a facial wash

Lime juice and roasted, ground Pomegranate seeds:

Make a mixture of these into a paste which can be applied directly to the pimples

Milk and Nutmeg:

Mix one teaspoon of milk at room temperature with 1 teaspoon of nutmeg and apply to the pimples. Allow this to remain for 1-2 hours before rinsing it off

Salt and Vinegar:

Mix these to form a paste which you can apply directly to pimples, then wash your face after half an hour. This can be done before going to bed. They have the combined effect of extracting the liquids and oil that is trapped in the pimple

Some Additional Examples of Natural Poultices

1. Honey and cinnamon (use this at night, rinse off next morning with warm water)

2. Ground sesame seeds and water (reduces inflammation)

3. Lemon and milk

4. Turmeric and vinegar

5. Lemon juice and cinnamon

6. Ginger and milk

10. Essential Oils

Everywhere you look, there are many types of cosmetics, makeup, artificial treatments and chemicals available on the market, heavily promoted as being the secret to health and beauty. However, because many of these methods try to circumvent the natural way the skin is meant to develop, they interfere and even impede the dermatological process, resulting in serious, undesirable and long-term side effects. Instead of going for chemical treatments, creams, hair-styling products (e.g. aerosols and gels) or makeup which have been proven to have adverse effects on the skin, you can use natural solutions.

Similarly, out of the pressure to find a quick fix to the problem of acne, people often turn to drugs or chemicals. Unfortunately again, some of the side effects associated with these treatments include the irritation of the respiratory tract, allergic reactions, skin flaking, inflammation and soreness (where the skin turns red), and several others. Makeup and astringents have the effect of blocking the pores and creating more blackheads and pimples. So to begin with, steer clear of oily products, hair pomades, oil-based moisturizers and cleansers. It is not really possible to treat this condition using soaps and creams because as we have already observed, the causative elements lie under the skin. Besides, according to last year's report on acne released by The Lancet, 50% of P. acnes strains have now developed resistance to antibiotics like topical macrolides.

As an alternative to the above methods, there are natural acne treatments which are known to be effective and not to have any side effects at all. It is more advantageous to apply these rather than simply trying to seek out the best acne and pimple cream in the market. This is where essential oils come in. They include: tea tree, bergamot, clove, lavender, aloe vera, jojoba, calendula, rosehip and rosewood oils. If you have sensitive skin, first mix with grape seed oil before using any of them on your face. Ensure that you apply the oil before retiring for the night and then wash it thoroughly the following morning with ivory (or other pure soap) and clean water. More details on how to practically use essential oils in countering acne can be found on the site Essential Oils Benefits, as compiled by Olivia from Le Web Pty Ltd.

11. Natural Acne Masks

Acne can be fought not just by special gel and soaps, but by masks made from ordinary kitchen products which are easy to prepare. The natural properties contained in these ingredients cleanse the skin, promote the healing process and brighten the complexion.

The egg mask: experts claim that eggs tighten facial skin, thereby eradicating wrinkles and sagging. The result is skin that is firm and well-toned. The process of making an egg mask is quite easy. Simply crack an egg and pour the white into a bowl. Add 1 tablespoon of honey and stir before applying the mixture gently onto your face. Avoid any contact with your eyes and allow the mask to remain for about 20 minutes. Then rinse your face first with warm water and afterwards with cold water.

This acne treatment can be adjusted according to the type and condition of the skin. If you have oily skin, simply add one drop of lemon juice to the egg white. According to some experts, the white skin in the inside of an egg shell can also be used as a natural acne treatment. This can be placed over the affected area and left on for half an hour or even overnight.

Other kitchen remedies for acne you can use include the following:

Baking soda: Mix a teaspoon of baking soda with water to create a paste. Then apply and very gently rub the paste onto your skin. After leaving it for one minute, rinse with lukewarm water and then dry your face by gently patting it with clean towel.

Apple Cider Vinegar: Dilute apple cider vinegar in purified water to the ratio of 1:8 parts. Dip a cotton ball into the mix and use it to gently moisten your skin. Use this mixture moderately to avoid further breakouts.

Crushed chilli peppers: These contain an active element known as Capsaicin, which is important in battling acne. It induces heat, increases the flow of blood to the surface of the skin and opens pores. As a powerful antibacterial element, Capsaicin confronts bad bacteria lurking under the surface of the skin and also reduces the sensitivity.

Oatmeal cleanser: This is another significant method of getting rid of of acne scars and eliminating blackheads naturally. For best results, it is recommended to apply this daily. Simply make a paste out of the mixture of oatmeal powder and rose water and then apply on the affected areas of your skin. Let it sit for about 15 minutes after application and then rinse with cold water. This will cause the oatmeal to close the skin pores and remove your acne scars.

Honey: It is regarded as one of the most effective products for acne scar removal. It also directly confronts and overcomes the acne-causing bacteria. After cleaning your skin gently, simply apply honey to the affected part and then let it sit for about 10 minutes before rinsing with clean water.

Aside from the above-mentioned acne home remedies, you can also make other pastes by using crushed strawberry leaves, witch hazel or even a combination of sandalwood and fresh basil leaves. For more information on this, check out the 13 Surprising Home Remedies for Acne.

12. Acne Laser Treatment

Finally, while this may not be en entirely natural alternative, I've factored it in for everyone who may prefer a drug-free method which is quick, and without the adverse side effects characteristic of prescribed and over-the-counter medicines.

In the past decade, lasers and light-based methods have grown in popularity as forms of treatment for many skin disorders, including acne. A study was conducted by the Dermatology and Lasers Clinic in Tel Aviv Msg, Caesarea, Israel addressing the role of light therapy in treating acne vulgaris assessing the clinical results. The trials showed that 85% of the patients, after receiving 4 biweekly treatments, showed at least 50% reduction of their lesions. In approximately 20% of the cases, the eradication of acne was about 90%. Three months after the final treatment, the elimination of acne in the patients was approximately 70-80%.

Researchers have claimed that laser and light-based therapies can safely treat mild to moderate acne vulgaris. This is definitely a quicker solution with hardly any side effects compared to the many oral antibiotics and other drugs available on the market today.

One of the principles with this acne treatment is that it concentrates on the development of new collagen beneath the skin surface. If the patient has developed perforations due to acne, a method called laser resurfacing is used. This enables the skin condition to be assessed in order to determine the best and most appropriate acne laser spectrum light to be used as treatment. The thin layers of the skin are vaporized by the Carbon Dioxide laser and its collagen fibers are tightened, making the treatment also effective for acne scars.

Acne Treatment Poll

How would you rate the method(s) you are currently using to combat acne?

Connect with us

This website uses cookies

As a user in the EEA, your approval is needed on a few things. To provide a better website experience, bellatory.com uses cookies (and other similar technologies) and may collect, process, and share personal data. Please choose which areas of our service you consent to our doing so.

This is used to display charts and graphs on articles and the author center. (Privacy Policy)

Google AdSense Host API

This service allows you to sign up for or associate a Google AdSense account with HubPages, so that you can earn money from ads on your articles. No data is shared unless you engage with this feature. (Privacy Policy)

This is used for a registered author who enrolls in the HubPages Earnings program and requests to be paid via PayPal. No data is shared with Paypal unless you engage with this feature. (Privacy Policy)

Facebook Login

You can use this to streamline signing up for, or signing in to your Hubpages account. No data is shared with Facebook unless you engage with this feature. (Privacy Policy)

Maven

This supports the Maven widget and search functionality. (Privacy Policy)

We may use remarketing pixels from advertising networks such as Google AdWords, Bing Ads, and Facebook in order to advertise the HubPages Service to people that have visited our sites.

Conversion Tracking Pixels

We may use conversion tracking pixels from advertising networks such as Google AdWords, Bing Ads, and Facebook in order to identify when an advertisement has successfully resulted in the desired action, such as signing up for the HubPages Service or publishing an article on the HubPages Service.

Statistics

Author Google Analytics

This is used to provide traffic data and reports to the authors of articles on the HubPages Service. (Privacy Policy)

Comscore

ComScore is a media measurement and analytics company providing marketing data and analytics to enterprises, media and advertising agencies, and publishers. Non-consent will result in ComScore only processing obfuscated personal data. (Privacy Policy)

Amazon Tracking Pixel

Some articles display amazon products as part of the Amazon Affiliate program, this pixel provides traffic statistics for those products (Privacy Policy)